To Tithe or Not to Tithe

Individuals who regularly attend religious services in the American protestant church are encouraged to make financial contributions to support the churches operation and its service to the community. Church leaders rely on a variety of Old Testament and New Testament scriptures to teach and encourage giving of tithes and offerings to the church. These scriptures are collectively recognized as the doctrine of Christian stewardship.

When teaching the doctrine of Christian stewardship, church leaders may choose to make use of and consequently place emphasis on particular passages of scripture. This choice exists at the core of the highly-debated and often controversial topic of tithing. An individual who tithes gives ten-percent of their income to the church. Proponents argue that failure to tithe is a sin and robbing God while opponents insist the tithe is a misinterpreted abuse of church authority and limits the generous instruction found in the New Testament.

Tithing is an obsolete mentality that is not part of the new relationship to God through Christ… The tithing mentality distracts people from the real nature of our relationship with God: organic spiritual union, son-ship and 100% commitment. It hinders people from being led and empowered by the Holy Spirit.                                                                    

Matthew Narramore, Tithing: Low-Realm, Obsolete & Defunct 

God’s word promises that if we’re faithful to “bring all the tithes into the storehouse”, He will pour out a blessing we can scarcely contain. On the other hand, if we don’t tithe, we are robbing God.

John Hagee, John Hagee Ministries

The Christian Church has played games with people, and I think its deceived people… For instance, the whole concept of tithing- You know ‘one-tenth, you’ve already given one-tenth to the Lord.’ I mean I’ve heard that over and over again. Everybody knows that it’s an Old Testament doctrine. In the New Testament, Jesus never asked for one-tenth. ‘If any man would be my disciple, he must forsake all.

Tony Campolo, American Baptist Church